How To Remove A Bathroom Sink Stopper (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Bathroom Sink Stopper

If the drain has a foul smell or the sink is clogged, you likely need to remove the sink stopper. Depending on the type of sink you have, removing the stopper should be relatively simple.

Luckily, you won’t have to buy or rent any tools to get the job done. You can find most of the items you need to remove your sink stopper around the house.

Items you’ll need to tackle the task:

Step 1: Removing the Stopper by Hand

You can remove some bathroom sink stoppers by hand. Lift the stopper completely and twist. If you can’t remove the stopper this way, continue to step two.

Step 2: Remove Items from Under the Sink

If you can’t remove the bathroom sink stopper by hand, you’ll have to approach it from underneath the sink. Remove everything from underneath the sink so that you have plenty of space to work.

Step 3: Locate the Plunger Rod

It’s time to shine some light on the issue. Set your flashlight up so that you can clearly see everything underneath the sink. This will make the process much easier.

Locate the plunger rod. The plunger rod is a horizontal rod that connects the bathroom sink stopper to the strap. The strap is a metal piece with several holes throughout it.

Step 4: Locate the Clip Attaching the Plunger Rod and Strap

Locate the metal piece that has holes in it and looks similar to a watch strap. There will be a clip attaching the plunger rod and the strap.

Before you remove the clip, take a picture of the plunger rod, strap and clip attached. This step will make the process of putting everything back together much more straightforward.

Remove the clip. Note: Place the clip somewhere safe; you need to ensure this goes back where it belongs.

Step 5: Remove the Pivot Nut

At the end of the plunger rod, you should see a pivot nut. Before you unscrew the nut, place a bucket underneath the sink. The bucket will catch any water that is still in the pipe.

You should be able to unscrew the pivot nut with your hand. However, if it’s too tight, you can use a wrench or pliers to help loosen it.

Step 6: Remove the Stopper

You should now be able to remove the stopper directly from the sink with a gentle pull.

Cleaning the Bathroom Sink and Stopper

Once you remove your bathroom sink stopper, it is likely to be extremely dirty. This is an excellent opportunity to clean the stopper before reinstalling as well as the pipes.

These tools for cleaning your bathroom sink stopper can also be found around your house:

Step One: Soak with Vinegar

Vinegar is the perfect household item for cleaning a variety of surfaces. Soak the stopper in vinegar to break down any gunk that has formed.

Step 2: Give It a Scrub

A household cleaning brush can be used for this step. However, most people have an old toothbrush lying around that will do the trick just as well. After you have soaked the stopper in vinegar, clean it with the toothbrush.

Step 3: Spray with Bathroom Cleaner

If you’re still struggling to get the bathroom sink stopper clean, use a bathroom cleaner. Spray bathroom cleaner on the stopper and use the toothbrush to clean off any excess grime.

Step 4: Hair Clog Remover Tool

Once you remove the sink stopper, use a clog remover tool to dislodge any hair that might be stopping up your drain. A hair clog remover is a tree-shaped plastic rod that is relatively inexpensive, costing about $6.

To use, simply put the tool down the sink and twist. The tool will remove any hair clogging the sink.

Step 5: Clean the Drain Pipe

Once you have cleaned the stopper and removed any clogs, now is a good time to clean the drain pipe. Use a liquid drain cleaner to clean the pipe before reinstalling your bathroom sink stopper.

Reinstalling the Bathroom Sink Stopper

After cleaning or replacing your bathroom sink stopper, it’s time to reinstall it. If you are simply putting your existing stopper back together, you can do it in three steps.

Step 1: Position the Stopper

Put the stopper back in position through the top of the sink.

Step 2: Reattach the Pivot Nut

Screw the pivot nut back in place underneath the sink. You can use your hand or a wrench or pliers if necessary.

Step 3: Use the Clip to Reattach the Plunger Rod and Strap

You will need the picture of the plunger rod and strap that you snapped with your phone earlier. Reattach the plunger rod and strap back together using the clip. Be sure that you attach it to the same place as before.

Replacing the Bathroom Sink Stopper

Types of Bathroom Drains and Stoppers

Pop-Up Drain

This is the most common type of bathroom sink drain and features the pop-up sink stopper. It is the type of bathroom sink stopper you probably have currently. This stopper is efficient and low-maintenance, and it’s easy to clean.

Grid Drain

A grid drain looks similar to its name. This drain is designed so that small items cannot fall down the drain and clog it.

The grid drain actually does not feature a stopper at all. You would need to purchase an additional sink stopper or pull out plug with this type of drain.

Lift-and-Turn Drains

A lift-and-turn drain is exactly what its name implies. This drain features a small knob to lift the sink stopper out of the drain manually. This drain is popular because there is no under-sink installation required.